CSJ’s 2018 Week 4 Game Preview: Nevada at Toledo

Nevada Wolfpack (2-1 overall, 0-0 MWC)

Nevada defeated Oregon State 37-35 last week but really it should not have been this close. Leading 30-7, Nevada nearly blew a 23-point lead in the second half. But the Wolfpack scored one more time in the fourth quarter to stave off the Beavers’ comeback and seal their second win.

Toledo defeated Nevada in Reno, 37-24, a year ago. However, this year’s Wolfpack squad already seems to be a much better team after a horrific 3-9 season in 2017.

Courtesy of Las Vegas Review-Journal

Key Player: QB Ty Gangi was just was 17-of-35 passing for 195 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the win over Oregon State. His numbers will need to grow this week if Nevada wants to pull off the upset.

Fantasy Bonus Baby: WR McLane Mannix had 57 receptions for 778 yards and six touchdowns in 2017. He already has 303 yards on 15 catches and four scores this year. While last game was a little down, look for him to bounce back in this one.

Toledo Rockets (1-1 overall, 0-0 MAC)

Toledo struggled against an AP Top 25 ranked Miami (FL) squad for the second-straight year. After falling 52-30 in 2017, not too much changed in the Glass Bowl. This time around, Miami rolled out to a 21-0 lead and coasted to a a 49-24 final.

Courtesy of Toledo Blade

Key Player: QB Mitchell Guadagni has been the lead quarterback despite not playing fully but does have five touchdown passes through two games. Toledo’s team passing efficiency is 183.4, putting it in the top 10 in the country. Rockets have averaged 306 passing yards per game, 27th-best in the nation.

Fantasy Bonus Baby: WR Diontae Johnson was the most unstoppable Rocket receiver in Week 2. He had 119 receiving yards and two touchdowns against a strong Miami secondary. And now he gets a much more porous secondary with Nevada so look for some big numbers this week.

Fearless Prediction: It’s tempting to pick the Wolf Pack in what would be a an upset. But while Nevada can score with its run-and-shoot offense, it showed its defense needs some work and Toledo’s offense especially in the passing game may have field day in this one, especially since this one is in the Glass Bowl. Toledo 38, Nevada 28